Thursday, June 12, 2014

Classic comics returns

Submitted to the Southtown Star (Chicago)
Graphic novels and real literature: A comment on classic literature in comic form

Using graphic novels to present classic literature ("Vickroy: Classic literature in comic form has broader reach, teachers say," June 11) is similar to the classic comics movement, popular during the "golden age" comics in the 1940's and 1950's. Classic comics were more acceptable to parents and teachers, but studies done at this time revealed that students were not nearly as enthusiastic. In one study, seventh graders rated ninth of 15 comic types in popularity, and when students are simply asked what comics they like, classic comics were never mentioned.
It should be pointed out, however, that the graphic novels and comics of today are often of very high quality and many qualify as real literature. For beginners, try The Watchmen, an examination of the problems when invincible super-heroes are given too much authority (from Cicero's quote, "Who is watching the Watchman?"), and The Dark Kniight Returns, which features interesting discussion between Batman and Superman concerning the occasional conflict between personal ethnics and the law.

Stephen Krashen

original paper: http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/news/28000375-418/vickroy-classic-literature-in-comic-form-has-broader-reach-teachers-say.html#.U5pR4ah9nYN